Bangkok (BKK)
DISTANCE FROM ALMATY
3950 km/2469 miles
FLIGHT DURATION
6 hours 30 minutes
LOCAL TIME
GMT +7
CLIMATE
Thailand's climate is tropical, high both in temperature and humidity, and dominated by monsoons. April and May are the hottest months of the year, when even the locals are moved to complain about the heat. June sees the beginning of the South West Monsoon, and brings with it the rainy season, which continues intermittently until the end of October.
From November to the end of February the climate is much less trying with a cooling North East breeze and a reduction in the humidity level. This is also the main tourist season, and the best time to visit Thailand.
The north and north-east are generally cooler than Bangkok in winter, and hotter in summer. In the far north, around Mae Hong Son temperatures can occasionally drop as low as 2°C.
AIRPORT
Bangkok International is approximately located 25 Kms from Bangkok Downtown
Airport Tax: International – THB 500.00 / Domestic – THB 60.00 (approximate)
Transport to City and Charges: Airport Express bus THB 150.00
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As a general rule, any foreigner seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for business, investment, study, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General.
However, there are nationals of certain countries who do not require a visa, provided they meet the requirements, as follows:
(1) nationals of countries are exempted from visa requirements when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 30 days, according to the Interior Ministerial Announcements.
(2) nationals of countries that have bilateral agreements with Thailand on the exemption of visa requirements.
2. Nationals of specific countries may apply for a visa upon arrival in Thailand. Travellers with this type of visa are permitted to enter and stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 15 days.
* For detailed and up-to-date information on visa requirement please refer to the local immigration authorities direct or through your travel agent.
CURRENCY
Baht (THB 1) = 100 satang
Notes : 10,20,50,100,500,1000
Coins : 1,2,5,10 (silver) and 25 & 50 (copper)
EXCHANGE RATE (approximate)
1THB = 0.024443 USD, 0.020113 EUR
BUSINESS HOURS
Banks : 0830-1530 Monday through Friday
Shops : 1000 -2100 Daily
Department Stores: 1000-2200 Daily
(24 hours convenient store is located throughout Thailand)
LANGUAGE
Thai as official language, English
UTILITIES
220 volts, 50 Hertz
TRANSPORTATION
Bangkok can be a confusing city to navigate so gets yourself a good map, preferably one marked with bus routes and the new "Sky Train" and mass transit railway.
Air-conditioned buses, which have major destinations marked in English, are an economical way to travel. Ordinary buses are cheaper still, and much more frequent, but can get quite crowded. Central Bangkok also has a micro bus service.
Probably the most convenient way for the visitor to travel is by air-conditioned taxi, all of which have meters. Fares are quite reasonable even for long journeys. Three wheeled taxis, which are called Tuk Tuks, are a familiar site on Bangkok streets. The ride can be a little hair raising but is generally safe, be prepared to bargain for the fare.
Major hotels have limousine services which are convenient but more expensive than taxis.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The city is divided into two parts by the Chao Phya river, with Bangkok proper on the east side and Thonburi on the west. Between the river and Hua Lampong Railway Station is "old" Bangkok and the Chinatown district. To the west of Hua Lampong are the tourist, business, and residential areas.
Bangkok was once called the "Venice of the East", but many of the canals have disappeared to make way for more road construction. Water transport, with a few exceptions, is a thing of the past.
Bangkok offers a glimpse of traditional arts, architecture and religion. Among sites to visit are:
Grand Palace is Bangkok most famous landmark and within it contained much of Thailand’s most gorgeous architecture such as the Chakri Throne Hall, and also Wat Phra Kaeo (temple of the Emerald Buddha) that houses Thailand’s most revered Buddha image and is a notable repository of Thai arts.
Vimanmek Mansions, the biggest golden teakwood building in the world.
The Floating Market for those who love to see canal-side Thai life ; Rose Garden.
Ancient City - the world's largest outdoor museum with replicas of Thailand historic monuments and work of arts, or you may watch the spectacular classical music performance of the richly costumed and masked Thai dancers, staged at Bangkok National Theatre, usually held on the last Friday and Saturday of every month, and many others.
